Boss happy to avoid upset

24 August 2011 14:11
Hodgson impressed with players' performance Baggies boss Roy Hodgson was pleased to see his much-changed Albion side avoided a potential banana skin after their resounding 4-1 victory against Bournemouth. A brace from Marc-Antoine Fortune and goals from Jerome Thomas and Simon Cox ensured a safe passage through to round two of the Carling Cup, despite eleven changes to the side which faced Chelsea. Hodgson put faith into his squad players at The Seward Stadium with Marton Fulop, Billy Jones, Gareth McAuley, Craig Dawson and Academy graduate George Thorne all making their full debuts for the club. But despite the changes, two goals in each half ensured Albion remain in the hat for the second-round draw this Saturday.   "We work very hard in training with all the players - we don't just work with 11," said the Albion chief. "My message to them tonight was that they made sure they showed me they had the discipline, organisation and quality in their decision-making that I expect from West Bromwich Albion players. "I'm pleased we got that because for a team to have come here without the right shape, attitude and organisation, this would have been a very, very big banana skin as Bournemouth are a good side. "I was quite happy with a lot of the players and I got from them what I expected. "If I didn't think this team was capable of giving this kind of performance, and capable of winning the match, I certainly wouldn't have chosen it because I don't take this competition lightly. "But I really believed this team was good enough to go out and represent West Bromwich Albion and win the game - and they proved they were just that. "I made 11 changes and we also have Peter Odemwingie and Zoltan Gera back home. "So that's 13 good ones that were not involved and it was a good performance from the other players to do so well." Do you think any of Albion's side against Bournemouth can push for a first team start against Stoke this Sunday? Have your say at Baggies Banter here.

Source: FOOTYMAD